Mercedes-Benz CLS550 vs. Jaguar XJ8

2007 Jaguar XJ8

Performance - 17/20

Acceptance of the XJ8’s road manners requires the driver to remember this is a luxury car, not a touring model like the XK. Nevertheless, it is still a Jaguar and experiencing this seventh-generation car accelerate 60mph in 6.3 seconds is akin to seeing Christopher Walken dance in Fatboy Slim’s Weapon of Choice video — you didn’t realize either had it in them to move so well. Jaguar’s liberal use of aluminum puts the curb weight at 3,726 pounds, better than would be expected from such a substantial-feeling car. Braking leaves something to be desired, but it’s better than past XJs thanks to the Conti-Teves four-channel, anti-lock system. Jaguar has endured much criticism for its use of the J-gate shifter in the XJ. At least the awkward shifter is connected with a six-speed ZF automatic transmission, which thankfully does an admirable job in its operation. Its adaptive shift logic adjusts to road conditions as well as to how the car is driven.

Exterior design - 18/20

2006 marked the advent of change to the XJ — not an everyday occurrence — while subtle changes were executed to retain the signature appearance. Moldings have been revised, side windows are now flush-mounted and laminated for reduced wind noise and added security, the mesh grille is now featured across the board, and standard XJs ride on 18-inch wheels. Generally, people either love or hate the exterior style, however, an overhaul is overdue.

Interior design - 8/10

There’s a lot of leather here and some wood in the XJ8. Burl walnut trim is standard, elm is optional and hand-inlaid Peruvian boxwood is standard on the Vanden Plas and Super V8 models. Rear-seat passengers can’t complain as they have ample room to stretch in the standard XJ8 — long-wheelbase models are more generous still. Seating areas for the driver and front passenger used to be fairly cramped, but they’re more comfortable now. Evidence of Ford’s involvement is contained to a dull roar and can be overlooked — all things considered.

Sound system/goodies - 6/10

Standard sound in the XJ8 is a 140-watt sound system with a single CD player — an adequate system for the non-audiophile. Assuming some buyers long for a few more decibels in a car of this caliber, Jaguar offers an optional 320-watt Alpine system with a single in-dash CD and six-disc changer in the trunk. Comparable systems can be found in lesser cars. Fortunately, the rest of the interior appointments uphold the Jaguar tradition of luxury and craftsmanship: Pedals power-adjust for the driver; the front seats offer 16-way adjustment and front and rear seats have three-stage variable heating.

Driving experience - 16/20

Driving the XJ8 at freeway speeds is eerily calm, thanks to the redesigned laminated side glass. It leads me to wonder if the car actually has a mute button. Underneath, things are kept in line thanks to the self-leveling air suspension, traction control, Dynamic Stability Control, and Computer Active Technology Suspension. As I mentioned earlier, this may be a luxury car but it’s still a Jaguar. It also conveys a sense of timeless elegance and remains a great car to be seen in.

Bang for the buck - 17/20

Recent years have found Jaguars gaining ground in refinement, performance and reliability. All along, the XJ8 has retained the attention to detail and craftsmanship that has given British cars so much soul all these years. That’s the key to the solid scores in most of the categories. Japanese luxury sedans cost less, German luxury sedans are more technologically advanced, but none of them have the intangible character of a British-built Jaguar.

Overall score - 82/100

The 2007 XJ is the best yet. It now has improved driving characteristics, technology and durability to go along with its inherent character. That’s the good news. The bad news is its design and certain ergonomics are holding Jaguar back — a total redesign cannot come too soon.

and the winner is…

The Mercedes-Benz CLS550. It’s been love at first sight with this car, and it’s fortunately a car of great substance beneath its striking bodywork. With a new engine under those gorgeous lines for 2007, it’s even higher on my recommended list of must-drives. I’ll always be fond of the Jaguar XJ8 — and you could do a lot worse than own this car — but it’s obvious the sun’s setting on this one. For guys who want to declare their success, the Jaguar XJ8 says, “I’ve arrived.” The Mercedes-Benz CLS550 says, “I’ve arrived… with time to spare.”